Hannibal has lengthy 'life chain'

“Abortion kills children,” was the message shared by Kelly Stevenson in the National Life Chain from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, in front of Hannibal High School on U.S. 61.

Bev Darrbev.darr@courierpost.com

"Abortion kills children," was the message shared by Kelly Stevenson in the National Life Chain from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, in front of Hannibal High School on U.S. 61."I'm here because I believe abortion is wrong," Stevenson said. "It is against God's will. Every human being has the right to life and a chance to be what God intended them to be."As a nurse, I have seen a dead child in a tray. It was a miscarried baby," Stevenson explained. "I refused to participate in abortion procedures in the hospitals I've worked in."The more than 30 people sharing their message along U.S. 61 in Hannibal were often supported by the honking horns of passing motorists.Ron Gibson said his purpose was "to honor God."Gibson's sign said "Jesus forgives and heals." "I believe in the sanctity of life and am here today to be a voice for the unborn that cannot speak for themselves," Gibson added.Next to him, Ed Alms held a sign asking people to "Pray to end abortion."Alms said he came "because I think the Lord led me out here to tell everybody that God loves little children. God is so good all the time."Shane Albertson, whose sign said "Jesus forgives and heals," said he was there "to make a stand for Biblical truth." Bill Boltinghouse's sign said "Life is the first inalienable right."Boltinghouse said that "one main reason I'm here is that when I got back from Vietnam, I was called a baby killer."Instead, he said, "the baby killers are the 6 million liberals."Bill's brother, Steve, and Steve's wife, Tina Boltinghouse, also participated. Tina reported that "October is Adoption Month as well."Becky Hellige also wishes people would choose to have babies adopted, explaining "there are too many people who would love to have children, and they can't, or have lost them. They should give them to people that will love them."A few children were among the group lining the highway on Sunday in Hannibal. One entire family came from New London. Shane and Regina Clark brought their daughters, 13-year-old Maria, 12-year-old Olivia and 4-year-old Erin.Regina said her message is that "life is the greatest gift God gives."Maria noted she was there "to end abortion."The local group was part of a nationwide event on Sunday, with participants standing on sidewalks along major roads and highways for one hour to witness about the sanctity of life with positive pro-life signs and posters.